Mo better mosaics

We've mentioned Philly legend Isaiah Zagar and his Magic Gardens before here on Earth to Philly. Suffice to say if you haven't been down and toured the site on South Street between 10th and 11th you're missing something great.

But you could rectify that as early as this evening at 6 p.m., when the Magic Gardens, in conjuction with the Tile Heritage Foundation, opens a juried art exhibition devoted to mosaics and tiles - Zagar's specialty, and an art form he has revitalized and indelibly stamped on walls throughout the city.

No word yet on how many of the objets d'art will be made from reclaimed materials (the angle that makes Zagar a Dumpster Diver in good standing), but here's the text of the announcement:

In partnership with the Tile Heritage Foundation, PMG will host a juried art exhibition of tile and mosaic artworks called Tell-Tale Tiles & Fractured Fantasies (TTTFF).  The exhibition is inspired by the rich history of tile and mosaic art in the Philadelphia area over the past 100 years.

Tell-Tale Tiles & Fractured Fantasies explores contemporary tile making and ceramic mosaic as a story-telling medium in the spirit of artists Henry Chapman Mercer and Isaiah Zagar. The call for entry requested narrative tiles that could include social, political, personal, and family stories. Renowned ceramicist and art historian Susan Tunick selected the works for the exhibition.

Held in the gallery of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, this month-long exhibition will provide an appropriate venue for tile and mosaic artists from around the country to make powerful and socially meaningful statements.

Tell-Tale Tiles & Fractured Fantasies Ceramic Exhibition
March 19, 2010 - April 19, 2010
Opening: March 19, 6:00pm